By Honorary Reporter Laura Adriana Martínez Venegas from Mexico

Photos: Cheong Wa Dae 

First lady Kim Jung-sook is known for her kindness, sympathy and cheerful personality.

Accompanying President Moon Jae-in on his recent European tour, she spent quality time with her counterparts from the three countries the presidential couple visited. She also spoke to the heads of state and had a pleasant moment with the adorable young son of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

First lady Kim Jung-sook wears a Hanbok-looking outfit at the summit of the Group of Seven economies in the U.K. county of Cornwall held from June 11-13.

Aside from her warm smile and kindness, the first lady showed subtlety and elegance in wearing traditional Korean garments to promote her country's traditions abroad. 

Her pearl-colored dress was complemented by a pashmina she wore as an overflow that made her look like she was wearing an elegant Hanbok. This image was supported by the ornaments of the elegant blue fabric displaying traditional Korean patchwork. She also wore flat shoes that matched her dress perfectly and whose style is a modern version of the classic gomusin (rubber) shoes. In my opinion, this was a beautiful way to honor Korea's roots and show respect to both Korea and its people.

In Austria, the first lady wore a delicate Hanbok when she and her husband attended a function with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and his wife Doris Schmidauer. 

These actions by the Korean first lady make me think of the speeches she eloquently gave during her husband's campaign and at the beginning of his administration. With her characteristic smile, she said that even if they reached the presidential office, she and her husband would continue leading a "normal" life like going to the market to buy groceries, cook dinner, make homemade fruit preserves like a normal person and be a friendly first lady. She has faithfully achieved this goal.

President Moon and first lady Kim Jung-sook on June 14 pose for a photo with Austrian President Austrian Alexander Van der Bellen and his wife at the Austrian leader's official residence.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.